It seems so pointless and counter-intuitive. They'll never even go into mass production because there will not be any demand for it.

Surely they will actually break more won't they once people start trying to bend them and fold them as much as they can. I can imagine big lines in them that will never disappear from where they have been bent. Also as soon as it's been curved or warped once it will never be able to completely flatten again. Watching videos will be horrible IMO.

Just go back to a cheap regular old style phone that is just for texting and making calls. You have no need for a smart phone, particularly something as expensive as an SIII. Could put that money to much better use.

You're assuming she doesn't have a use for a portable computer? Remember that smart phones are not really phones - they are computers that are able to make phone calls. They are well worth the money for many people.

Mark, I was just trolling for the sake of it because I don't have the knowledge to advise on smart phones. Personally don't think it's worth the money for me given I have a computer at home and at work and am able to cope without going online for the 25 minute bus ride in between. I do think you're better off buying an actual computer than spending the same amount on an SIII or Iphone though. I certainly see the appeal for 3 hours a day of commuting but surely something for a quarter of the price of those 2 does much the same thing. The girlfriend has what was the cheapest option at the time of buying (LG Optimus P500 I think it is) and aside from the SIII being a lot bigger and having a better camera, I'm not sure there's any real fundamental difference that warrants paying about 6 times as much.

Actually, T-Mobile in America (the provider I'm on) now makes you pay retail value for all phones and in exchange, you get a really discounted contract. So all smartphones are in the $399-499 range for the most part. The SIII was the highest at $550 and I think the shittiest smartphone was $400.

Can you not pick up just a handset (without contract) of a low end one for around $100? I don't know much about contracts as I've always used prepay (or pay as you go I think you call it in the UK) where you just have credit and top it up when you run out. Again makes more sense for someone like me who barely texts or calls. Would never want to be locked into having to pay so much every month anyway.

The girlfriend got her LG handset for $177NZ I think (about $150US currently) and the SIII was about $1000NZ ($850US) when it launched. You can currently get a Galaxy Mini handset for $99 here including a free sim card. Can you not get a similar deal in the US or is everything on contract? With a quick glance at one of the major carrier's websites you can get an SIII for $99 currently on a $120 a month 24 month contract so you then end up paying almost $3000 ($2500US) over the 2 years. Ridiculous.

If you want to go without contract than Google Nexus 4 is your best option as it's better spec than iPhone 5, better looking (IMO) and half the price.

Yes you can get cheaper handsets like you mention but they tend to be very low spec. That might not matter for some people but for others like to know they have a decent camera with them and a device that operates smoothly.

On the way back from Germany last week, I had my contract Blackberry nicked. This means I now either have to buy a PAYG phone to use on my contract or buy something off eBay. Can anyone recommend a decent 3G phone for under £60?